Popular Culture and Substance Use

Written by Janette, a senior at CLU. 

In today’s society, popular culture plays a significant role in shaping perceptions, behaviors, and attitudes, especially among young people. Popular culture could be defined as a culture that is widely favored or well-liked by various people. For example, when I think of popular culture I think of music. The way music has made an impact in our society and how widely liked it is. All the different genres there are and the recognition artists receive. Music, commercials, and social media have a far-reaching influence, often glamorizing lifestyles that include drinking and drug use. Some people see these actions as harmless, but the impact they have on impressionable audiences cannot be underestimated. The glamorization of alcohol and marijuana in popular culture presents significant challenges for society for multiple reasons.

The normalization of substance use can lead to dangerous misconceptions. Songs that celebrate excessive drinking or marijuana use as a means of relaxation, fun, or social connection often fail to show the negative consequences. Similarly, commercials and social media influencers promoting alcohol brands or cannabis products typically emphasize the glamorous or trendy aspects, while glossing over the risks, such as addiction, impaired judgment, or long-term health effects. These messages can distort young people’s understanding of these substances, making risky behavior appear not only acceptable but desirable. Moreover, these portrayals often ignore the broader societal consequences of substance abuse. For example, the excessive drinking culture depicted in movies and music videos might seem like harmless fun, but it can contribute to serious issues such as drunk driving, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Similarly, while marijuana is often presented as a harmless or even medicinal substance, the potential for abuse and its impact on mental health, especially in younger users, is rarely highlighted in popular culture.

The influence of social media further intensifies the problem. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are filled with content that glamorizes drinking and drug use, often through viral challenges, aesthetic posts, or influencer endorsements. As a social media user, I have witnessed how some “influencers,” who should be setting positive examples, instead use their platforms to promote harmful behaviors. This sends the wrong message to young teens, making them believe such actions are acceptable. As a result, many imitate these behaviors simply because their favorite influencers are doing them, perceiving them as desirable or trendy.

To combat this issue, it is crucial to encourage critical thinking. Parents, educators, and community leaders should engage young people in discussions about the realities of substance use, helping them to identify and question the messages they consume. Additionally, stricter regulations on how alcohol and marijuana are portrayed in advertising and entertainment could help mitigate the glamorization of these substances. Ultimately, while popular culture has the power to entertain and inspire, it also carries a responsibility to consider the messages it sends. By addressing the dangerous narratives around drinking and drug use, our society can work towards creating a culture that prioritizes health, well-being, and informed decision-making over profit and popularity.

For more information about cannabis use and teens, visit PositivePaths.org/cannabis/overview.